Extracurricular Activities
The DeSales learning community nurtures the development of the whole person by providing a variety of extra-curricular activities. DeSales strongly encourages all students to get involved in a sport or extracurricular team or club. They develop leadership and social skills, foster their competitive drive, develop additional brainpower and gain a servant's heart through their involvement in many after-school pursuits.
Below you will find many of the clubs and teams that are offered at DeSales. Additional groups are formed each year to tailor to the needs of the students.
Academic Team
The purpose of the Academic Team is to promote academic excellence and achievement in competition through Quick Recall, Governor's Cup, League Place in the Private and Parochial School League, JV Challenge, and Future Problem-Solving. In 2023, DeSales proudly won its 33rd consecutive Governor's Cup district title. Open to students in all grades.
The Governor’s Cup consists of eight events: mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, arts and humanities, future problem solving, composition, and quick recall. Led by Mr. Andrew Kuchenbrod.
Ambassadors
Ambassadors serve as official DeSales student representatives. They assist with the recruitment of prospective students, represent DeSales at community engagements, and support the activities of school fundraisers and other events. Ambassadors are also called upon throughout the school year to escort special guests. Ambassadors act as advocates of the school and articulate genuine enthusiasm and school spirit. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students must be nominated by a teacher or administrator. Each nominee must complete a written essay describing how they would interact with external constituencies as well as encourage prospective students to attend DeSales. Led by Mr. Justin Lewis.
Beta Club
The purpose of the Beta Club is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character in the students of DeSales High School. The organization upholds the motto, “Let us lead by serving others.” There are several projects in which Beta Club members participate that enable them to lead by serving others, including the Peer Tutoring Program, the annual Food Drive for local food pantries, and the annual Boys & Girls Haven Christmas Angel Program. A second-semester sophomore or junior who has at least a cumulative 3.3 weighted GPA will be considered for membership in the Beta Club. In addition to academic standards, members of the Beta Club must demonstrate superior qualities in character, leadership, and service both inside and outside of our school community. Led by Mr. Jamie Horsley
CABO Outdoors Club
The CABO (Creating Adventures in the Beautiful Outdoors) Club participates in several outdoor activities throughout the year, including monthly paintball outings and bi-monthly trips out of town. The CABO Club has also taken trips hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing at places like Red River, Whitewater River, and the Red River Gorge. Our motto is to GET OUTDOORS and GET INVOLVED! Open to students in all grades. Led by Mr. Lance Hammond.
Chess & Board Game Club
The Chess Club meets weekly from October through March for intramural competitions. The club's purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to learn and play the game of chess and enhance a sense of brotherhood through friendly competition. Open to students in all grades. Led by Mr. Darrell Rucker.
Cooking Club
The Cooking Club provides each student the chance to experience the joys of cooking. From homemade salsa to four-course meals, there is something for every aspiring chef! Led by Mr. Sean White.
Drone Team
The coDrone Team is a national drone coding and flying competition. DeSales is proud to be the only school in the state of Kentucky to offer such an experience. Led by Mr. Aaron Dauenhauer.
Joseph of Arimathea Society
The Joseph of Arimathea Society was created to help provide a greater sense of dignity and reverence to the funerals of the poor and indigent. Students serve as pallbearers and assist in a prayer service. The services offered by the Society take place at the River Valley Cemetery and are supported by the Jefferson County Coroner's office. Open to students in all grades.
Key Club
The purpose of the Key Club is to promote citizenship and service. Key Club International is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through service to others. As members of the Kiwanis International family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Open to students in all grades. Led by Mrs. Kari Ogle.
KUNA/KYA
The purpose of KUNA is to engage students in research and debate of world issues. International topics are addressed at the annual Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA). Delegates are involved in an intensive 3-day conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, KY. The KUNA conference is held each Spring. The conference is student-led and involve debating issues, voting on legislation, and presenting bills relevant to countries around the world. Delegates are expected to attend meetings and the conference. Open to all students. Led by Mrs. Rachel Frantz.
Math Team
The purpose of the Math Team is to develop an interest in mathematics and to enhance problem-solving and higher-level math skills. Open to all students. Led by Mr. Paul Houpt.
National Honor Society
The purpose of the National Honor Society (NHS) is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character in the students of DeSales High School. The organization upholds the motto, “Let us lead by serving others.” There are several projects in which NHS members participate that enable them to lead by serving others, including the Peer Tutoring Program, the annual Food Drive for local food pantries, and the annual Boys & Girls Haven Christmas Angel Program. A second semester sophomore or junior who has at least a cumulative 3.5 weighted GPA will be considered for membership in the NHS. In addition to academic standards, members of the National Honor Society must demonstrate superior qualities in character, leadership and service both inside and outside of our school community. Led by Mr. Jamie Horsley
Peer Leaders
Peer Leaders is an Archdiocesan Program that identifies school leaders who will make a commitment to be alcohol, drug, and tobacco-free. Peer Leaders help to sponsor school-wide activities that enhance the school's focus on being drug and alcohol-free. Peer Leaders also work with elementary schools, individual classes, and perform as leaders in various school functions throughout the year. Participation is open to all students.
Guitar Club
From experienced players to new strummers, the Guitar & Music Lessons club helps musicians become experts at their craft. Open to students in all grades. Led by Mr. Justin Lewis.
Student Government
Student Government provides opportunities for student leadership as class representative, secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president of the student body. This leadership body is charged with maintaining and aiding in the overall growth of the school through social events, service activities, spiritual commitments, scholastic performance, and enhancing the school spirit.
Any student wishing to run must give a 2-5 minute speech to the student body on the assigned day and must turn in an application and teacher recommendation prior to his speech. Campaign posters are acceptable the week of voting only. All elected students are expected to be present at all Student Government functions and maintain a positive image for DeSales both in and out of school.
Throughout the year, the Student Government helps to plan, organize, implement events such as homecoming week, Colt Fest, blood drives, etc. Elections are held in the first weeks of school. Those wishing to serve on the Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) must have served on Student Government sucessfully for at least one prior year and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Any student (freshman-senior) can run for class representative; however, if elected, he must remain academically eligible all year for a successful term as class representative. Led by Mr. T.J. Cataldo.
Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP)
The Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) is a state-recognized club/program open to any student who is interested in designing and creating technology-based projects, products, and services for the school and community. Student Technology Leaders (STLs) will collaborate with their peers, school members, and the community to develop these projects, products, and services, build upon their leadership skills, and increase their technological knowledge.
For more information on the program, please visit the Kentucky Department of Education STLP website.
iHelp Desk Hours: The STLP iHelp Desk is open every Mon. & Fri. during PRT (after the first week) for teachers & students.
Yearbook Club
The Yearbook Club meets throughout the school year to put together the DHS Yearbook "The Yearling", which is distributed to students at the beginning of every school year. Students meet to decide page layouts and formats, photographs to be used, etc. Using school photography and online editing programs, members of the yearbook staff create a visually impressive celebration of a year in the life of DeSales High School.
Participating students are expected to attend sporting and extracurricular events outside of normal school hours to take photographs and collect quotes and other useful materials. Leadership opportunities are available for students who possess a strong work ethic and organizational skills. Open to students in all grades. Led by Mrs. Ashley Humphrey.